Top Must-Try Restaurants in Los Angeles

Must-Try Restaurants in Los Angeles

Discover the culinary wonders of the City of Angels with our curated guide to the must-try restaurants in Los Angeles. From hidden gems serving up eclectic dishes to iconic eateries that define the city’s diverse food scene, this list is your passport to a gastronomic journey through LA.

Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor eager to savor the city’s rich culinary culture, this list of Must-Try Restaurants in Los Angeles promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to embark on a delectable adventure through the best that Los Angeles has to offer:

1. N/Naka – a two-michelin-star restaurant by chef NIKI NAKAYAMA – crafted through the Japanese culinary art form of kaiseki, n/naka’s modern interpretation presents the very best seasonal ingredients from both California and Japan’s land and sea. Their tasting menu celebrates ingredients at the peak of its perfection and reimagines kaiseki through a California lens.
2. Hayato – an intimate, seven seat Japanese kaiseki restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles. Fundamental Japanese technique, seasonal ingredients, and carefully curated ceramics – Hayato is a personal expression of modern Japanese cuisine by Brandon Hayato Go!
3. Bavel – in Downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District, is a Middle Eastern restaurant from Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. ​​Ori Menashe’s Middle Eastern follow-up to his always-packed Bestia, with a similar downtown vibe serving small plates, meat and fish dishes, plus desserts.
4. Orsa & Winston – a Michelin-starred restaurant from Chef-Owner Josef Centeno. Featuring nightly-changing tasting menus, the restaurant incorporates sensibilities of both Italian and Japanese cuisines.
5. République – located in Miracle Mile, is owned by Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke. Centered in the heart of Los Angeles, the historic building in which it resides was originally erected in 1929 by Charlie Chaplin, and later transformed into the iconic La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant. République builds on this storied past, offering a gastronomic environment imbued with history and grandeur. The space features a casual bakery, café, and bar in the front with a more formal dining area located in the rear, serving a French-inspired menu created daily!.
6. Damian – a restaurant by Enrique Olvera in Los Angeles Arts District rooted in Mexican culture while celebrating Californian produce and seasonal ingredients.
7. Providence – For over a decade, Providence has elevated the standard of modern American seafood restaurants. Experience Chef Michael Cimarusti’s award-winning cuisine in the heart of Los Angeles, welcomed by one of LA’s legendary hosts, co-owner Donato Poto.
8. Baroo – a modern Korean restaurant, known for fermentation and a free spirit run by husband and wife, kwang uh and mina park, their mission is to serve food with a beginner’s mind. They offer a tasting menu for $110 per person along with wine pairings and korean sool pairings in a relaxed, warm setting.
9. Antico Nuovo Antico is a restaurant that draws inspiration from the Italian countryside preserving ancient techniques and traditions in food and wine. Traditional pasta & rustic, wood-fired meats in an elegant but laid-back setting!
10. Holbox – As one of just eight restaurants inside Historic South Central L.A.’s Mercado La Paloma, Holbox is a Mexican seafood restaurant that focuses on fresh local ingredients, vibrant flavors, and unpretentious presentation. The menu features specialties from coastal regions of Mexico, seen through the lens of its southern California and Baja California ingredients. They offer a casual order-at-the-counter service in a food hall setting and also host weekly 8-course tasting menu dinners on Thursdays and Fridays. Holbox opened in 2017 and has continued to garner awards and recognition, including Michelin Guide California Bib Gourmand in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and ranked #5 on the 2023 LA Times 101 Best Restaurant list. Chef Cetina was a 2023 James Beard Finalist for Best Chef California.
11. Moos Craft BBQ – started as an underground BBQ popup in a small East Los Angeles Backyard in 2017. Inspired by Texas Barbecue, they use old school techniques to produce delicious, melt in your mouth smoked meats with a CaliMex twist. Recognized by Food & Wine’s Best Barbecue in every state 2020 in California, Moo’s draws hours long lines at brewery popups and Smorgasburg Los Angeles.

As we conclude our gastronomic journey through the City of Angels, we hope this guide has ignited your culinary curiosity and inspired your taste buds. Los Angeles, with its diverse and dynamic food scene, is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts seeking new and delightful experiences.

From the trendy hotspots to the timeless classics, each restaurant on our list has played a part in shaping the rich tapestry of flavors that define LA. Whether you’re a local exploring your hometown’s culinary gems or a visitor eager to taste the city’s unique offerings, we encourage you to embark on your own culinary adventures.

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